Animal Services needs foster care families

Pinellas County, Florida -- Pinellas County Animal Services is seeking volunteers to join the foster care team, as part of an effort to save pets that need time away from the shelter.

All foster care parents are required to complete the volunteer orientation class and foster training held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter. Volunteer orientation begins at 10:30 a.m., and foster training immediately follows at 12:30 p.m.

Some of the animals that will benefit from the program include puppies and kittens too young for adoption, those recovering from surgery or illness, senior pets that need to be out of a shelter environment, dogs that have been on the adoption list for an extended period, and adoptable pets requiring socialization skills that can only be learned in a home environment

Volunteers interested in becoming a foster parent will work directly with the adoption coordinator and medical staff.

To be part of the foster care team, participants must possess:

Genuine concern for the welfare of the animals

Willingness to be compassionate to special needs animals

Commitment to follow all foster policies and directives as required by the adoption coordinator

A valid driver's license and vehicle to transport foster animals to and from shelter

Pinellas County Animal Services is located at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

For information on how to adopt, donate or volunteer, join Pinellas County Animal Services on Facebook. To learn more about the shelter, visit www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices, or call (727) 582-2600. The lost or found pet hotline is (727) 582-2604.

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You Are Saving A Life: According to The Humane Society, 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year. (Photo: Getty)